Charlotte, North Carolina, August 20, 2025
News Summary
Starting this school year, North Carolina will enforce a ban on cellphones during instructional time to reduce distractions and enhance student focus. The initiative aims to improve student well-being and has gained support from educators. Charlotte Secondary School is among the first to adopt this policy, establishing designated phone storage in classrooms. While some parents have expressed concerns about communication during emergencies, the school officials advise urgent messages be sent through the front desk. This ban is part of House Bill 959, which focuses on internet safety and educating students about social media impacts.
Charlotte, North Carolina – Starting this school year, North Carolina will implement a statewide ban on cellphones during instructional time in schools. The ban is designed to minimize classroom distractions and enhance focus among students, making it one of the most significant efforts to improve student well-being in the state.
Charlotte Secondary School is among the first to enact this policy, introducing hanging pockets in classrooms for students to store their phones. Under the new rules, all phones must be powered off if not placed in designated holders during class hours. This initiative has garnered support from educators and administrators who believe it will minimize texting and reduce the coordination of social gatherings via messaging apps during school hours.
Registrar Tammy Hubbard-Williams, a strong advocate for the change, emphasized that the policy helps decrease anxiety and interpersonal drama among students. With school autonomy in enforcement, the policy will remain consistent across the state, allowing individual schools to determine the specifics of its application.
Concerns have been raised by some parents regarding their ability to contact their children in case of emergencies. However, school officials recommend that urgent communications be directed through the front desk, ensuring that students remain focused during class while still allowing for necessary contact when needed.
The cellphone ban is part of a broader legislative package, known as House Bill 959, previously termed the Protecting Students in a Digital Age bill. After passing both the House and Senate, it awaits Governor Josh Stein’s signature. This bill requires local boards of education to establish internet safety policies and prohibits employees from using social media platforms like TikTok for work-related activities. Additionally, the bill mandates that students learn about the impacts of social media on health and safety, addressing growing concerns over screen time’s negative effects.
If signed into law, the bill will go into effect at the beginning of the 2025-2026 school year. Bipartisan support has been noted for the legislation, with proponents highlighting the necessity for students to take a break from the pressures created by smartphones and social media. Nevertheless, some students have voiced concerns about a comprehensive ban, arguing that their phones can serve as valuable educational tools in certain contexts.
The legislation does include exceptions, allowing for emergency usage and any phone use permitted by teachers. Many educators have reported that cellphones are a significant distraction in the learning environment. Research indicates that excessive screen time can adversely affect children’s cognitive abilities and behavioral development, amplifying the need for such regulations.
By implementing these cellphone restrictions, North Carolina aligns itself with similar measures already adopted in various other states, aiming to create a more focused and conducive learning atmosphere for students.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the statewide cellphone ban in North Carolina schools?
The ban aims to reduce classroom distractions and enhance student focus and well-being.
How will the ban be enforced by schools?
Schools will have the autonomy to enforce the ban, implementing specific measures like designated phone storage areas, while following a uniform policy across the state.
Are there exceptions to the cellphone ban?
Yes, the policy allows for emergency phone use and situations where teachers permit phone usage for educational purposes.
How can parents contact their children during school hours?
Parents are encouraged to use the school front desk for urgent communications with their children.
What other provisions are included in House Bill 959?
The bill requires the development of internet safety policies and restricts employees from using certain social media platforms for work-related tasks.
Key Features of the Cellphone Ban
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Statewide Implementation | A uniform ban across North Carolina schools during instructional time. |
| Designated Storage | Classes will have hanging pockets for storing phones during lessons. |
| Emergency Use | Exceptions are made for emergency situations and teacher-approved use. |
| Parental Communication | Parents can reach their children via the school front desk for urgent matters. |
| Legislative Support | Pursuant to House Bill 959, promoting internet safety and restricting certain social media use. |
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Additional Resources
- WBTV: North Carolina Cell Phone Ban in Schools Passes House and Senate
- Wikipedia: Cell Phone Use in Schools
- WSOC TV: NC Senate Passes Bill Requiring Cellphone Ban in Schools
- Google Search: North Carolina Cellphone Ban
- Charlotte Observer: Opinion on Cell Phone Ban
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mobile Phones in School Policies
- WCNC: Proposed Cellphone Ban in Public Schools
- Google News: Cellphone Ban North Carolina
- The Charlotte Post: NC House Bill Prohibits Cell Phone Use in Public Schools
Author: HERE Charlotte
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